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ADV Announces July 25 Releases

May 24th 2006

ADV ANNOUNCES JULY 25 RELEASES

HOUSTON, May 23, 2006 —ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime in North America, is pleased to announce four hot new titles set to hit the streets on July 25 – the original OVAs for Area 88, volume six of Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok, volume six of Princess Tutu, and a brand new thin-pack collection for Gravion Zwei.

AREA 88 ORIGINAL OVA

“The Animated Version of Top Gun” – Anime News Network

ADV Films is proud to announce a July 25 release for the Area 88 Original OVA collection. The two disc set contains both of the original Area 88 features, plus cool extras that every fan will enjoy.

Before the Area 88 TV series that ADV released over 2005 and 2006, several OVAs were produced that are still beloved by fans today. Now fans can own both all the full length Area 88 movies on DVD, and for the first time ever they can enjoy it with an English dub!

Synopsis: A classic tale of love, war and tragedy comes to life in the original fast-paced, emotionally charged thrill ride, Area 88. In a cruel twist of fate, talented young pilot Shin Kazama is tricked into serving as a mercenary for Area 88: a hell on earth where men survive by gunning down anyone who stands in their way. To return home, Shin must sell his soul to the battlefield and pave the road back to Japan with the corpses of his fallen opponents. Two feature length films, full of dizzying dogfights and heart wrenching drama that make Area 88 one of the most memorable anime classics of all time. Get ready for the ride of your life!

Area 88 Original OVA (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a two disc DVD release including both complete features, presented in both English and Japanese with English subtitles. Video extras include a short segment “Introduction of the Fighters” and an extensive interview with original manga creator Kaoru Shintani, plus previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

DVD Product Details

Running Time: 195 minutes
Age Rating: TV PG (V)

CAT: DAEO/001
UPC: 702727149627

Pre-Book Date: 6/27/2006
Street Date: 7/25/2006

Format: DVD

SRP: $29.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

MYTHICAL DETECTIVE LOKI RAGNAROK: THE ALL SEEING EYE

“Wonderful!” – Underland Online

ADV Films is proud to announce the sixth volume in the hit anime series Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok: The All Seeing Eye, which hits stores everywhere July 25. “Fans of all ages should give this extremely funny and action-packed show a look” (ToonZone.com).

Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe (King of Bandit Jing, Video Girl Ai), Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok is funny, charming, and macabre. Loki is the Norse god of mischief, now banished to Earth by Odin. Forced to exist in exile in a little boy's body – but with all the powers of a god – Loki runs a private detective agency. Alongside his trusted assistant, Yamino, and a beautiful high school girl, Mayura, they set out to shine a light into the deepest corners of the paranormal. But there is one metaphysical mystery remains: Just what in the Heavens has Loki done to find himself banished to Earth?

Synopsis: Loki, Norse God of mischief and part time detective, has always had something of a magnetic personality. How else does one explain the steady influx of supernatural beings from the realm of the Gods, continually vying for his attention? Sure, they come to kill him, but that doesn't make him any less of a popular guy! His shrunken body may limit his powers, but Loki's colossal charisma continues to be the driving force behind his survival. But a summons from Odin can change the fortunes of both man and God alike, and a gift given to Loki's greatest foe, Heimdall, may signal the end of Loki's current streak of good luck. Can Skuld, one of the sisters of fate, who continues to be haunted by the enigmatic smile with which Loki countered her latest assassination attempt, unlock the mystery of Odin's fury once and for all? And with Hel (the goddess) on Earth, can the final war, Ragnarok, be far behind? What secrets lie in the past? What fortunes lie in the future? What visions lie in Heimdall's eye? There's only one way to find out: Take a look for yourself!

Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok: The All Seeing Eye (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 21-23, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Video extras include Part 2 of the Actor's Talk with Rika Komatsu (Reiya) & Yui Horie (Mayura), original Japanese TV commercials, and Norse mythology notes, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

Limited Quantities of the Collectors Edition Still Available!

The Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire seven volume series (SRP $39.98).

DVD Product Details

Volume: 6 of 7

Running Time: 75 minutes
Age Rating: TV PG

CAT: DMSL/006
UPC: 702727130229

Pre-Book Date: 6/27/2006
Street Date: 7/25/2006

Format: DVD

SRP: $29.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

PRINCESS TUTU: ABSCHIED

“A Show That Will Charm and Delight” – Anime on DVD

ADV Films is proud to present the conclusion of the most beloved anime series of the year. Princess Tutu: Abschied, the final volume in the critically-acclaimed six disk series, is slated to hit stores July 25. “With entertaining characters, impressive production, and an unpredictable, secret-laden plot, Princess Tutu is a title to watch out for” (Aint It Cool News).

Directed by Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon, Kaleido Star) and Shougo Koumoto (You're Under Arrest! Season 2) and produced by HAL Film Maker (Kaleido Star) and TBS (Chobits), Princess Tutu is a classic fairy tale story with a twist of mystery, magic and romance. Darkness hid the pieces of her beloved's shattered heart, and time is running out for Princess Tutu to find them. Her dream of becoming a human girl has come true. However, peril lurks in the unseen shadows. Using the power of an enchanted amulet, she must unravel a dark and twisted mystery to keep her Prince and herself alive.

Synopsis: A story's birth is a sudden event: the start, a happy accident; the end, the fate for which it's meant. Cruel the story without an end. But the stasis of the status quo can soothe the sick and weary soul. Why leave the shadow puppet show and the safety of the cave? A hunger stark is a driving gale; against the dark, the light seems pale, for certain doomed and bound to fail. Foolish Pandora, foolish Duck. The Raven's army circled round, released at last and gaining ground. Whither would our heroes' feet: to triumph or the grave?

Princess Tutu: Abschied (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 23-26, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Video extras include a staff commentary on episode 24 by Fumiko Chino and Mike Yantosca, a voice actor commentary from Luci Christian and Chris Patton, Split Episode Previews, the Tutu TV special “Vorfinale,” “Etude,” a guide to the ballets and music of each episode, a video segment “In the Studio,” and interviews with the Japanese Staff (text), plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

DVD Product Details

Volume: 6 of 6

Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV 14

CAT: DPTT/006
UPC: 702727096525

Pre-Book Date: 6/27/2006
Street Date: 7/25/2006

Format: DVD

SRP: $29.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

GRAVION ZWEI COMPLETE COLLECTION

Effeminate Heroes! Giant Fighting Robots! Gravity-defying Breasts!

ADV Films is pleased to announce the Gravion Zwei Complete Collection, hitting store shelves July 25. Now everyone can enjoy this bouncy fan fave with an attractive and affordable thin-pack compilation. With a legion of perky maids and more fan service than you can shake a stick at, Gravion Zwei has all the action, comedy and madcap adventure you've been looking for!

Directed by Masami Obari (Bubblegum Crisis) and animated by world renowned animation studio GONZO Digimation (Full Metal Panic!, Gantz, Chrono Crusade), Gravion Zwei continues the hit Gravion series with a new season of surprises featuring the well-armed (and well-endowed) fighting force Earthgertz. Their mission: defend the Earth from the deadly Zeravire invasion… only this time, they won't be the only ones on duty!

Synopsis: There's a new player in the game of Earth Defense. Enter the elite G-Soldier Squadron, the first of the government's attempt to mass-produce Gravion technology. Led by ace pilot Faye, will the G-Soldiers push the Earthgertz gang out of a job? While facing a series of stepped up Zeravire attacks, Sandman decides his team needs some time off… at a hot springs resort.­ What better way to form a cohesive fighting unit than to see everyone in their skivvies? Towels fly and karaoke maids abound as the Gravion team battles a hidden danger deep within a nearby volcano.

Gravion Zwei Complete Collection (SRP $39.98 DVD) is a thin-packed release including all 300 minutes of the fan-favorite series, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.

DVD Product Details

Running Time: 300 minutes
Age Rating: TV MA (V, S)

CAT: DGV/BX4
UPC: 702727140525

Pre-Book Date: 6/27/2006
Street Date: 7/25/2006

Format: DVD

SRP: $39.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

About ADV Films:

In the 14 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) for the North American market and has also developed a leadership position in the UK. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films' extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as Gantz, Elfen Lied, Chrono Crusade, Peacemaker and DNAngel. ADV Films' library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company's Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X. In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America's largest anime convention. The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.

Parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc., encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is America's first and only television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide via digital cable 24 hours a day. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, the premier anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic nove

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